I'm want to switch from a water sandal to a more supportable piece of water footwear for BWCA trips. I have it narrowed down to the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Mid ($110)- or - the Chota Super-Lite Portage Hiker ($130)

Can I get some personal experience stories of either of these from anyone? Good or bad.

Is there anything just as good that is cheaper?

Thanks in advance.

I have had two pairs of the Moab vent - good shoe for the BWCA. Great grip, drains well. Good support and protection. I went from saddles for a few years before these and will never go back.

The bad craftsmanship is crap. Both pair had limited use outside of canoeing and they failed sooner than I think they should. Seams, stitching and materials. I would have had them repaired but the locations made that difficult.

My solution, just picked up the Keen Explore Vent and local test runs are positive. A slightly higher boot that fits better, sturdy with a wider toe box and yet light. It seems like less debris inside the boot as well. I have yet to test on wet rock and that will be a big deal. I will be writing a review sometime after my next trip.

Keen-Made in America

John

I currently wear the Merrill Moab 2 Vent low not the mid. They have been great for wet footing in May/June and always wool socks. I have also used them hiking many trails in the mountains with no problems. I would consider the wear and tear normal for the use they get and the different conditions. Being flat footed I am always leary of the shoes I purchase so when it's time for a new pair I will be buying another pair of Moab shoes.

Here is my 2018 review of the Chota boot. The name is changed, but I believe it is the same boot.

HYRB-800 HYBRID HIGH-TOP RUBBER SOLED BOOT review 2018
"I don't often do equipment reviews, but I thought this would be of interest as it is a relatively new product. I purchased these in June for a mid-July solo of ten days, 28 portages.

These things are light weight. So light that I worried about their durability. They did just fine on a rugged trip and seem to be no worse for the wear. I look forward to using these on many more excursions. They are right on in size. If your going to wear a heavy rag wool sock you might need a size larger. I was able to replace the footbed with a Spenco orthotic and wear a medium weight sock.

I immediately disposed of the bungee shoelaces. On uneven ground, especially going downhill I want my boots to be firmly attached to my feet. The bungees stretch and feel loose just at the time you need them to support your foot the most. I put some nice round, tough laces on them and that worked just fine.

Best thing about these boots is their stickiness on wet rocks, wet logs and roots. In ten days and 28 portages I never had a slip. Better than any wading shoe I have ever had. They also supported and protected my feet well. Besides the portages I went on several dry land cross-country explorations and they were comfortable on really rugged ground. The soles are pretty stiff- I like that with stoney trails.

They drain fast and dry out quick except for the collar. I was not in a hurry to get out of them arriving at camp. I only wore my dry shoes on one layover day that I didn't paddle until evening.

Negatives. The dumb bungee laces-easily fixed. The soft collar, especially combined with the low cut back. For any boot that might get completely submerged in mud or soft sand a uniform height collar that can snug up to your ankle is preferred. Soft, low cut collars are just funnels for mud and sand. Its why I liked my old Converse Allstars and the old LL Bean Maine Guide shoe. But LL Bean Shoe is gone and my old feet need more protection than the Allstars can give so I'll put up with the collar to get the other advantages of this boot.

I would recommend these if you are looking for new wet shoes. I may order another pair to store away. There is always a good chance they will be discontinued before I wear these out."

You may look at Boundarywaterscatalog.com and see if they have a pair of Chota Quetico Trekkers left in your size(or size up). They are on sale as they are discontinuing them for $75. I have used them on over 100 days in the BW and are still going strong. I love them with the Chota Hippies. I can wet foot and pack the light/packable hippies or dry foot with the hippies. Saves me from having to decide on wet/dry footing on shoulder month trips before I head up. I got mine a size up for the hippies and or wool socks. Even with thin wool socks they still work great. The only down side compared to the new hybrid Chotas is they are not as quick drying and a bit heavier. I love them though and just picked up another pair for when mine finally need to be tossed since great price and being discontinued.

minnmike: " You may look at Boundarywaterscatalog.com and see if they have a pair of Chota Quetico Trekkers left in your size(or size up). They are on sale as they are discontinuing them for $75. I have used them on over 100 days in the BW and are still going strong. I love them with the Chota Hippies. I can wet foot and pack the light/packable hippies or dry foot with the hippies. Saves me from having to decide on wet/dry footing on shoulder month trips before I head up. I got mine a size up for the hippies and or wool socks. Even with thin wool socks they still work great. The only down side compared to the new hybrid Chotas is they are not as quick drying and a bit heavier. I love them though and just picked up another pair for when mine finally need to be tossed since great price and being discontinued."

+1 on Quetico Trekkers. My current pair has been on numerous Canadian trips and I really like the ankle support and the durability. Glad I purchased another pair while Piragis was closing them out.

Thank you

Thank you

Thank You

I thought I was replying individually to thank all of you for your informative response, But apparently I just kept adding thank you's over and over to the end of the tread.

You are welcome welcome welcome welcome. I hear an echo.o.o.o!

I bought the danner jungle boots and they are the best portage shoes I have found by any measure.